Breast Cancer Clinical Reference Group - Patient member Role responsibilities and person specification We’re working with NHS England, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign to set up a new Clinical Reference Group (CRG) for breast cancer. CRGs bring together clinicians, commissioners, public health experts, patients and carers. They are focused on developing nationally consistent service specifications, policies, and service improvement schemes. Some CRGs are already in place, and new ones have been developed for 2013/14. The breast cancer CRG will look at the entire care pathway for breast cancer. The CRG is looking for two patient members to join the group, who are keen to be involved in developing and shaping services in the NHS in England for people affected by breast cancer. To represent the needs and experiences of both people affected by primary breast cancer and people affected by secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, the CRG are looking for:   1 patient member with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer 1 patient member with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer The patient members should be current or recent patients in England (have had treatment within the last 3 years). Role responsibilities  giving a patient perspective on the content of circulated papers and proposals  where appropriate, communicating with, and seeking feedback from, wider patient networks on plans and proposals, drawing on the support of relevant patient groups identified by the CRGs. Communicating with wider patient networks is not the sole responsibility of the patient members and they will be supported in this  participating in phone conferences and face-to-face meetings of the CRG and debating issues using email, as well as joining internet conferences  taking part in workshops or events where participation is helpful for the work of the CRG as agreed e.g. wider network meetings  complying with the Standards of Conduct and respecting the confidential nature of CRG discussions when it is made clear by the Chair that this is a requirement  raising areas of unresolved concern with the Chair of the CRG and subsequently following the complaints process if concerns remain unresolved  identifying their own support, training and development requirements and seeking appropriate support from CRG members Person specification We are looking for 2 patient members who:  have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer or secondary (metastatic) breast cancer  want to be involved in developing and shaping services for people affected by breast cancer  are able to provide objective input about the needs of people affected by breast cancer  have the ability to understand and evaluate a range of information and evidence  are able to present a non-clinical perspective and offer constructive challenge  can operate effectively in a small group environment  possess effective written and verbal communication skills  have an awareness of, and commitment to, equality and diversity  understand the need for confidentiality  are able to participate in meetings (either virtual or face-to-face) during the working day. Meetings will be held approximately 3 times a year, mostly in central London, with the first one likely to be held in September 2014.  are willing to commit to a minimum 1 year term in this role (we recognise that circumstances may change for individuals, and this will be accommodated)  along with all members of the CRG, are willing to complete a declaration of interests and to declare relevant interests as appropriate during group deliberations.  have access to the internet, to take part in email discussions and conferences Support Breast Cancer Care will support the patient members in being involved in the work of the CRG. This will include practical support (expenses, travel arrangements) and support in preparing for meetings. We want the CRG to be as representative as possible of the wide range of views and experiences of people affected by breast cancer. To help achieve this, the patient members will be required to consult with the wider community of people affected through the three charities. Patient members will be supported in doing this. We understand that there may be times when it may not be possible for you to attend a meeting. We would reassure potential patient members not to be discouraged from applying because of concerns around attendance, and if necessary we can arrange alternative ways for you to participate in a meeting, such as by telephone. We are aware that being a CRG patient member may bring up difficult issues and we would like to clarify where applicants can find support: Breast Cancer Care’s Helpline: 0808 800 6000 Our free, confidential Helpline is here to answer any questions about breast cancer or breast health. Calls are answered by nurses and trained staff with experience of breast cancer. Whatever your concern, you can be confident we’ll understand the issues you might be facing, and that the information you’ll receive is clear and up-to-date. We will also let you know where else you can go for further support and information. Our regular Helpline hours are: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm Ask the Nurse Simply email any question – big or small – and you can expect a prompt reply from one of our specialist nurses. This service is available to anyone in the UK. Go to http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/ask-nurse Expenses This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses will be covered for you to attend meetings of the CRG. Further information on CRGs Clinical Reference Groups for Specialised Services: Information pack for patients and carers http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/crg-info-pack.pdf NHS England, Clinical Reference Groups for Specialised Services: A Guide for Stakeholders http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/crg-stakeholder-guide.pdf